For the millions of Americans who work and play in the world wide web, 'web surfing' and sharing becomes almost routine. We share information about our lives, tweet, post pictures, and give out seemingly safe pieces of info about our lives. Shopping online is commonplace.
Customers subscribe to services and give e-tailers personally identifiable information like social security numbers, telephone numbers, credit card info, and home addresses. It's part of the ballgame: if you want to participate then you must divulge this sensitive info. The belief is that for the most part it stays safe, but every once in awhile it becomes compromised.
Many don't view hacking as a personal concern
For many I'm sure cybercrime sounds like an over-exaggeration: A worst case scenario that will surely never happen to you or anyone you know. According to a poll by ReportLinker about cyberattacks, 55% of Americans feel safe from cyber attacks and hacking. Interestingly, 69% of respondents say that cyber attacks have become more of a threat than they were only five years ago.
This perception goes hand-in-hand with the false belief that only large businesses and corporations are targeted by hackers. However when retailers or agencies are hacked, the information millions of Americans can be subsequently stolen in the process. Unfortunately, nearly half of all American adults are hacked each year.
Your online info is most vulnerable
The advent of the internet brought new risks and ways to expose your identity to thieves and fraudsters. Think about it: all of your social profiles are online. So are your email accounts and likely your bank accounts too. Emails can be intercepted when sent over unsecured Networks. Another nefarious way to compromise your email is using scams and viruses.
Carefully read the terms of service when you subscribe to a service or sign up for a site. you need to know what rights and responsibilities do you have as well as who is responsible if your data is ever breached. Limiting access to your information is the only real way to prevent info from being hacked or compromised in the first place.
Do your part to protect yourself
There are steps you can take to minimize your risks online and protect your credit information and identity. First and foremost, limit access to your information if possible. Shopping online often means purchasing from unfamiliar sellers or new stores. Be cautious in who you choose to do business with and how much of your info you share.
This is particularly important during the holiday season when fraudulent emails and deals that are too good to be true circulate across social media. The recent event of Cyber Monday was a holiday for hackers too as they unleashed malicious apps to steal credit card info. Watch out for false listings and especially sellers who refuse to accept returns. Visit established retailers and always keep a close eye on your bank statements.
Tracking down cyber crooks is tough
Criminologists are faced with the unenviable task of investigating cybercrime. As cybercrime inherently takes place on the Internet, is a global problem that crosses boundaries and jurisdictions. Most of these attacks are carried out long-distance and cost more than a combined $400 billion annually in damages. Evidence on the internet can be difficult to track, particularly when cyber attacks fail to be reported or go unnoticed.
Large businesses aren't the only ones targeted, and in many cases it is easier for cybercriminals to target individuals than face the security of a big company. This is why it's important to take steps to protect your personally identifiable information. Don't overshare your information online. Research retailers before you buy from them. Keep a close eye on your billing statements and remember to report fraudulent activity when you discover it. Your vigilance can be the key to preventing future cybercrime.
(Photo Credit: Christopher Cook)